Local racer wins World Championship

Local drag racer Charlie Whittaker recently returned from the Famoso Raceway in Bakersfield with a major title.Whittaker, after a yearlong battle, secured enough points to earn the American Nostalgia Racing Association World Championship. Whittaker was joined at the event by other local racers, Ron Gribble and Doug Araiza. They all competed in the Bakersfield Fuel and Gas Championships. All three qualified well in their classes, which included over 350 cars.Whittaker was invited to race on the Pink-All-Out TV show in September at the Famoso track. The race was recorded live for airing on the Speed Channel Thanksgiving weekend.